One of the easiest things you can do in your direct sales and network marketing business is to remember what you are good at, and then use that to market your business. Yes, you can always learn new ways to get the word out about your business, and stretch your comfort zone, but start with what you know.
In fact, it is a good idea to engage in 2-3 different marketing strategies per month.
Be creative in finding ways to introduce people to your company. The company you represent usually takes care of the other parts of running a business like customer service, manufacturing and distribution, and designing marketing materials.
However, you want your business to stick from the get go. So use what you have naturally or what you have developed over the years, and talk to people online and off. Build relationships. Be a resource for others.
What do you have: Pizazz, the gift of teaching or hospitality, a creative spark, networking know how, a flair for writing ?
So many times I see people try to force themselves into someone’s marketing mold, and then they get discouraged and quit when it doesn’t work.
Do you come from a close-knit family, and have a strong circle of friends? Go tell them about your new business and why your think it is so great. Invite them to hear more.
Do you love teaching? Why not get a few people together and share a cup of coffee and some stories about your business. Tell them the benefits of using the products or joining the business. Invite them to hear more.
Here’s a cool idea.
It’s a twist on Lunch and Learn. You know the idea—you invite people over and serve a few snacks and they listen to your presentation.
Okay, what if you’re a Dance Master (that’s code for really good dance teacher with lots of experience), and you love helping people get out and have fun.
You host a “Dance and Learn.” Kudos to Nancy Sommers and Ishamar Umanos for this one. You teach dance steps for 1 hour and then serve refreshments and talk about your new business opportunity. You can do a little education on the benefits of exercise, and show how your products help you get up, get moving, get fit. Invite them to hear more.
Do you love to talk? Pick up the phone and set an appointment with friends to showcase your company, products and business opportunity. If they like what they see, invite them to hear more.
Do you love to write? Start a blog. Use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites to direct people to your blog where they can have a conversation with you and get to know you better. When they ask what you do, invite them offline to talk with you.
Look at it another way.
- Are you at a season in your life where you can get out and about and network and support your community, and join clubs? Then networking could be your marketing mojo. Just remember to follow-up with all the really cool people you are meeting, and invite them to take a closer look at your company.
- Does life have you caring for your aging parents while taking care of your own family? You find yourself visiting, running errands, or waiting in doctors’ offices. Carry your laptop with and write a newsletter or blog about running a business from the road. Use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, to update your customers and team. Invite them to hear more about how they can run a business from the road.
- Are you at home raising your kids? Meet with other moms on the playground, at school, in the store. When they ask what you are doing make sure you have your short marketing message ready to share. After you pique their interest, invite them over for a play date and biz presentation.
- Are you working 9-5? Turn your lunch hour into a business power hour. Hold a business presentation away from office. Keep it to 30 minutes so you have time to drive there and back and grab a healthy lunch. Or better yet find a quiet place and make phone calls and do presentations over the internet. Invite them to see the company up close—three way call, conference call, opportunity meeting.
Here’s another cool Idea.
A working mom met with other working moms every day at lunch time for three months straight and WOW she built a strong organization. That is about 25-30 appointments a month times 3 months which gave her 75-90 appointments. She was able to open up the Boston area for her company.
Do you see a pattern? Marketing is about capturing your prospect’s attention. It is about doing what you do naturally. It’s about taking advantage of the season in your life.
You spark an interest. Then you invite them to hear more.
In business they say, stick to your knitting. In direct sales and network marketing we say stick to what you know, what you are good at, and what comes natural. You will naturally try new marketing strategies as your business and confidence grows.
Marketing is about knowing who you are and telling people what you have. Get comfortable in your shoes and others will want to follow you.
What comes natural to you? Do tell us how you have turned your natural talent into your marketing success strategy.
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